Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, in this House, the Liberal members, beginning with the Prime Minister, rejoiced at the difficult financial choices facing the Government of Quebec.

The fact that the provinces are headed for a combined deficit of nearly $10 billion while the federal government will be running a surplus in the billions is a glaring illustration of the fiscal imbalance masterfully orchestrated by the former finance minister.

What exactly did the Liberal members from Quebec applaud last Tuesday? The cuts imposed on Quebec for health, education and social services, or the pillaging of the EI account?

Was this maybe the Liberal members' way of showing disagreement with the choice made by the National Assembly to support young families in Quebec by implementing a progressive family policy that is the envy of all, or are they perhaps opposed to the tuition freeze?

The Liberal members' applause ill conceals their desire to diminish Quebec, and that is a disgrace.